Heck of a Day

Benbow, California: First a nice thing - stuffed squash blossoms - provided by Sister Gina the other day. They were attached to a variation of pattypan. We were having leftover Filipino Adobo Chicken last night, so my menu did not actually match or even go well together, but we ate everything. I stuffed the blossoms with chunks of torn fresh mozzarella, dipped the stuffed blossoms in a light batter (flour, egg, cream, salt) - stuck them in the freezer for a bit - and fried 'em up.

Early to bed, yet again, as we had a difficult drive today. 75 miles, but 3 hours along the craggy coast dotted with construction sites where the ocean and land have been fighting it out and the ocean keeps winning. Then Highway 1 ends and we needed to zigzag our way over the coastal mountains - through 20 miles of massive Redwoods - to reach Highway 101, and then easily find ourselves in Benbow for the night. We are camped at our usual KOA, which is across the highway from the Historic Benbow Inn - where we had dinner reservations.

But first we had to deal with our constantly-used VISA credit card being compromised. (Up yours jerk who tried to use our card to purchase anti-virus software!) The jerk's access was denied, but the bank still insisted on cancelling our card, even though we are traveling over the next few weeks and really need a credit card. I was on the phone for 30 minutes (after being on hold 15 minutes), but in the end the bank agreed to "expedite" the replacement card to our campground in Eugene. We have additional cards as backup until then, but it is such a hassle and it keeps happening to us - and everyone we know. You too?

Before leaving Fort Bragg, we needed fuel (used the debit card) and had to stop at an auto parts store for DEF diesel engine additive (paid cash). At least we had a gorgeous drive today, which we could readily enjoy as we were usually driving about 15 miles per hour. We only stopped once - at a picnic area overlooking the grey and angry Pacific Ocean. Cold. Foggy. By the time we arrived to Benbow it was really warm - in the 80s.

Just to make the mood-o-the-day perfect, the site they gave us at Benbow had no power, DT had go to the office, and move the RV to a new site. But then we settled-in and cooled off in our air conditioned palace on wheels. Dave took his bicycle off the rack and headed off into the surrounding hills, and I just knew all would be well again after he exercised and after I had a cold martini at the Benbow Inn - assuming they accept American Express. (NOTE: They did.)

There is a paved walkway under the highway from the RV Park to the Inn (owned by the same people, by the way). It isn't a five minute walk. The hotel has had a bit of an updating since our last visit and it is very nice and they now have an elevator!

Call me a snob. (Go ahead. I dare you.) If you are dining in an historic inn, you do not wear shorts, a tee shirt, flip-flops and a base ball hat. That is what you wear to a Jimmy Buffett concert. We decided to dine indoors, but the menu is now so limited. Soups, appetizers, salads and maybe six entrees?

The steak was $54. Really expensive, I think. There is enough chicken leftover for a nice appetizer tomorrow or maybe even enough for a chicken salad sandwich at lunch? Our meals were very nice, the bread (the butter was garnished with my favorite - black sea salt) was nice and service was good.

Until my next update, I remain, your Benbow correspondent.

Campground Information: Benbow KOA - This place has it all. Back-ins, pull-throughs, rental cabins, laundry, bathhouse, pool, hot tub, water play park, golf course (not very nice), small store. Not really sure what we paid, as we upgraded upon arrival. $85?

---